In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to further extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. This decision, announced on Wednesday during Putin’s state visit to China, aims to enhance political trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation between the two nations amidst the current unpredictable global landscape. The announcement followed discussions at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, culminating in the signing of a joint statement that emphasized a commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Marking Putin’s 25th visit to China since 2000, the meeting underscored the depth of the China-Russia relationship. The year 2023 also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership, a relationship Xi described as reaching historic heights. The two leaders witnessed the signing of 20 agreements across sectors such as economy, trade, education, and technology. Notably, they reiterated their commitment to a multipolar world order and opposition to unilateralism, with both countries pledging to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and international law as outlined by the United Nations.
In recent years, China and Russia have seen a steady increase in bilateral cooperation, with trade between the two nations surpassing $200 billion annually for the past three years. In the first four months of 2026 alone, trade saw a nearly 20 percent increase. Xi Jinping emphasized the need to build on this momentum by aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia’s development strategy through 2030, enhancing cooperation in various fields to drive mutual growth and revitalization.
During their meeting, both leaders addressed the current state of global affairs. Xi highlighted the importance of ending hostilities in the Middle East, warning against renewed conflict and urging continued negotiations to stabilize energy supplies and maintain the international trade order. The talks also included discussions on enhancing cooperation within international frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. In a gesture of goodwill, China and Russia announced the extension of their visa-free policies for each other’s citizens until the end of 2027, facilitating further cultural and economic exchanges.
The discussions between Xi and Putin reflect an ongoing commitment to deepening a partnership that serves as a model for international relations in the current era. Both countries expressed a shared vision to continue fostering people-to-people connections, strengthening bonds in education, culture, and sports, and ensuring broad societal support for their enduring friendship. The visit concluded with a welcoming banquet hosted by Xi for Putin in Beijing, symbolizing the warmth and strategic importance of the China-Russia relationship.